Food & Drink

2012 Tasted Good: The Best New Restaurants That Opened In South Florida

Humanity has survived the Mayan prophecy and lived to see another year. Celebrate the world not ending by visiting one of these new restaurants who defied the prophecy by opening their doors in 2012. These 2012 standouts offered the best in urban cuisine, American burgers and fusion food promising that if the world did end, at least the last meal would be worthwhile. So check out this list of South Florida’s best new restaurants and stop in for a bite just in case the Mayan’s miscalculated and the end of the world is actually a couple weeks late.

(Source: southstreetmiami.com)

South Street
4000 N.E. 2nd Ave.
Miami Design District, FL 33137
(305) 573-5474www.southstreetmiami.comOn October 5, a dose of Philly flavor finally inhabited the streets of Miami. For those who are lovers of soul food but could do without the artery-clogging side effects so commonly associated with it, South Street is for you. It’s located in Michelle Bernstein’s former restaurant, Sra. Martinez and specializes in dishes like chicken and waffles and lobster mac and cheese without the traditional heavy soul food taste. It’s the brainchild of manager to the stars, Amaris Jones, and features the Motown sounds of Stevie Wonder along with some Neo-soul courtesy of Erykah Badu. It’s definitely an experience that will have you jonesing for more.

(Source: burgerfi.com)

BurgerFi
18139 Biscayne Blvd.
Aventura, FL 33160
(305) 466-0350www.burgerfi.comNot every new 2012 restaurant has to be fancy. BurgerFi made the list despite being a southern-region fast food chain because it is the best new burger joint in town. BurgerFi opened its doors in Aventura in August and gave New York favorite and South Florida transplant Shake Shack a run for its money. BurgerFi Aventura manager, William Fisher, says the reason this place is so good is because “our meat is certified humane angus beef. It’s better than anybody else’s burger.” Whatever the case, the burger with the logo-branded bun takes the award for the best new burger joint in South Florida.

On October 25, this self-described Pan Latin steakhouse stepped from the shores of Dubai and entered the atmosphere of the Intercontinental Hotel in Brickell. Chef and owner Robert Sandoval conceived this steakhouse and decided to open his second worldwide location right here in Miami. Patrons who visit this establishment can expect a high-class evening with a world-class taste blending South and Central American flavors that will rival even the most authentic Latin restaurants in Miami.

(Source: paotown.com)

Pao Town
2624 Ponce De Leon Blvd.
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 760-4726www.paotown.comAsian fusion enthusiasts unite. There’s “a unique lofty space for Coral Gables” that opened its doors on September 6 and general manager Michale Loeb describes it as “a fast casual asian gastropub.” Pao Town serves Asian wings and short ribs along with a Korean dog. This East-meets-West all-beef hot dog is topped with Kimchee slaw, potatoes sticks, avocado, scallions and finished with gochujang sauce. It all makes for an unforgettable taste that you can’t find anywhere else in South Florida.

(Source: fabiensbistro.com)

Fabien’s The Island Bistro
605 Brickell Key Drive
Miami, FL 33131
(305) 364-5512www.fabiensbistro.comThis French bistro opened its doors in June of 2012, catering to the wine and cheese lovers of the world. Fabien’s deals in sophisticated French fare and offers everything from a bouillabaisse to a scrumptious leg of lamb with African couscous. Check the website weekly to find out when Fabien’s is offering drink specials and live music. It all adds up to a semi-casual night on the town with a glass of great wine.

Niema Hulin was born in Newark, NJ but raised in Lexington, South Carolina for the bulk of her formative years. In 2002, she moved to Miami after graduating from the University of Florida. Since then, Niema has worked in film, television and commercials as a Production Assistant and Production Coordinator. Some of her films have included Bad Boys II and I Am Number IV. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.